Long-distance host-independent virus dispersal is poorly understood, especially for viruses found in isolated ecosystems. To demonstrate a possible dispersal mechanism, we show that bacteriophage T4, archaeal virus SSV-K and Vaccinia are reversibly inactivated by mineralization in silica under conditions similar to volcanic hot springs. By contrast, bacteriophage PRD1 is not silicified. Moreover silicification provides viruses with remarkable desiccation resistance, which could allow extensive aerial dispersal.
Revised: March 26, 2015 |
Published: October 9, 2013
Citation
Laidler J.J., J.A. Shugart, S.L. Cady, K.S. Bahjat, and K.M. Stedman. 2013.Reversible Inactivation and Desiccation Tolerance of Silicified Viruses.Journal of Virology 87, no. 24:13927-13929.PNNL-SA-99058.doi:10.1128/JVI.02825-13